The Texas A&M University System

HR News – May-June 2007

• Annual Benefit Enrollment nears
• Delta Dental has built a custom website for A&M System employees and retirees
• Selecting a healthcare provider is now easier
• The latest retirement information is at your fingertips
• New on the web
• The dangers of childhood obesity
• Don't let stress ruin your summer fun
• Some foods you should eat only in moderation

HR news archives

Systemwide

Annual Benefit Enrollment nears

The Annual Benefit Enrollment period, during which you can change your benefit selections, will begin July 1, 2007, and continue through July 31, 2007. 

Nationwide, general increases in health care costs are projected to be between nine percent and 12 percent. While the Texas Legislature is increasing its contribution toward your health plan, the increase will not offset the total growth in health plan premiums. As a result, the monthly employee contribution will increase for most health plans offered by the A&M System beginning Sept. 1, 2007.

The A&M System will help offset the increase in employee contributions in two ways. First, the A&M System has eliminated the $1.75 charge per employee per month which was included in the health plan premiums and used to fund the health plan administration. Second, the employer contribution will be increased by approximately $15 per employee per month. This amount, which will total approximately $5.0 million, will be in addition to that which the legislature will contribute. 

The following chart contains premium information on the health insurance plans offered by the A&M System. Included for fiscal years 2006, 2007, and 2008, are the total monthly premiums, the amounts funded by the taxpayers of the state of Texas, and the monthly employee contribution. Also included for fiscal year 2008 is the additional System employer contribution. On average, the employee contribution pays approximately 20 percent of the total cost of the monthly health insurance premium.

Premiums for the optional insurance plans, such as optional life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, will remain constant at fiscal year 2007 rates.

Final premiums will be available soon on the System Human Resources website and at the end of the month when Annual Enrollment is available through HRConnect. The Annual Enrollment meeting schedule will be available on the System Human Resources website along with other Annual Enrollment-related materials.

All employees will be asked to make any benefit changes online using the HRConnect online enrollment system. You can access HRConnect through Single Sign On. Retirees will still receive booklets and forms in the mail in early July.

It is important that you check and, if needed, update or add your email and home/mailing addresses in HRConnect (use Single Sign On to access HRConnect, then click on the “Personal Data” tab and follow the directions). This will ensure that you receive Annual Enrollment email messages and any mailed information.

Print this chart in PDF format »

FY 2008 Health Plan Premiums
Full-time Employees

Carrier	CC*	Fiscal Year 2006			Fiscal Year 2007			Fiscal Year 2008
		Total Premium	State/ Taxpayer Contribution	Employee Out-of-Pocket	Total Premium	State/ Taxpayer Contribution	Employee Out-of-Pocket	Total Premium	State/ Taxpayer Contribution	System Employer Supplement	Employee Out-of-Pocket
A&M Care 350	E/O	$355.63	$341.56	$14.07	$398.38	$361.19	$37.19	$437.23	$360.68	$15.26	$61.29
	E/S	$640.13	$483.81	$156.32	$717.08	$511.55	$205.53	$788.41	$536.27	$15.26	$236.88
	E/C	$533.45	$430.47	$102.98	$602.23	$455.17	$147.06	$656.72	$470.43	$15.26	$171.03
	E/F	$782.38	$554.94	$227.44	$883.28	$586.73	$296.55	$964.01	$624.07	$15.26	$324.68
A&M Care 1250	E/O	$326.00	$326.00	$0.00	$335.44	$335.44	$0.00	$367.87	$360.68	$7.19	$0.00
	E/S	$524.98	$483.81	$41.17	$603.78	$511.55	$92.23	$663.57	$536.27	$15.26	$112.04
	E/C	$449.15	$430.47	$18.68	$506.00	$455.17	$50.83	$552.68	$470.43	$15.26	$66.99
	E/F	$633.76	$554.94	$78.82	$742.14	$586.73	$155.41	$811.42	$624.07	$15.26	$172.09
A&M Care 65 PLUS	E/O	$333.50	$333.50	$0.00	$344.60	$344.60	$0.00	$375.94	$360.68	$15.26	$0.00
	E/S	$528.71	$483.81	$44.90	$620.28	$511.55	$108.73	$679.71	$536.27	$15.26	$128.18
FirstCare Central & West TX	E/O	$346.56	$341.56	$5.00	$378.06	$361.19	$16.87	$394.83	$360.68	$15.26	$18.89
	E/S	$616.81	$483.81	$133.00	$882.31	$511.55	$370.76	$987.07	$536.27	$15.26	$435.54
	E/C	$511.47	$430.47	$81.00	$566.22	$455.17	$111.05	$592.25	$470.43	$15.26	$106.56
	E/F	$752.73	$554.94	$197.79	$799.52	$586.73	$212.79	$789.66	$624.07	$15.26	$150.33
Humana Corpus Christi	E/O	$399.11	$341.56	$57.55	$438.45	$361.19	$77.26	$491.29	$360.68	$15.26	$115.35
	E/S	$651.29	$483.81	$167.48	$715.59	$511.55	$204.04	$803.07	$536.27	$15.26	$251.54
	E/C	$584.57	$430.47	$154.10	$642.27	$455.17	$187.10	$720.59	$470.43	$15.26	$234.90
	E/F	$894.90	$554.94	$339.96	$983.32	$586.73	$396.59	$1,104.27	$624.07	$15.26	$464.94
Humana San Antonio	E/O	$369.63	$341.56	$28.07	$406.05	$361.19	$44.86	$454.84	$360.68	$15.26	$78.90
	E/S	$631.70	$483.81	$147.89	$694.07	$511.55	$182.52	$778.56	$536.27	$15.26	$227.33
	E/C	$511.79	$430.47	$81.32	$562.28	$455.17	$107.11	$630.60	$470.43	$15.26	$144.91
	E/F	$834.75	$554.94	$279.81	$917.22	$586.73	$330.49	$1,029.90	$624.07	$15.26	$390.57
Mercy	E/O	$379.75	$341.56	$38.19	$423.61	$361.19	$62.42	$487.43	$360.68	$15.26	$111.49
	E/S	$714.46	$483.81	$230.65	$797.15	$511.55	$285.60	$919.02	$536.27	$15.26	$367.49
	E/C	$655.62	$430.47	$225.15	$731.48	$455.17	$276.31	$843.15	$470.43	$15.26	$357.46
	E/F	$951.01	$554.94	$396.07	$1,061.14	$586.73	$474.41	$1,224.04	$624.07	$15.26	$584.71
Scott & White	E/O	$351.56	$341.56	$10.00	$375.51	$361.19	$14.32	$405.68	$360.68	$15.26	$29.74
	E/S	$626.62	$483.81	$142.81	$581.08	$511.55	$69.53	$699.80	$536.27	$15.26	$148.27
	E/C	$549.60	$430.47	$119.13	$495.11	$455.17	$39.94	$578.09	$470.43	$15.26	$92.40
	E/F	$760.47	$554.94	$205.53	$725.72	$586.73	$138.99	$823.90	$624.07	$15.26	$184.57

* Coverage Codes

E/O	Employee Only
E/S	Employee and Spouse
E/C	Employee and Children
E/F	Employee and Family

earning about medication safety just got easier!

 

BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX), in collaboration with other health care entities, physicians, pharmacies, insurers and organizations, has just made it easier for you to access important information about medication safety on its Medication Safety Project: Educate Before You Medicate website. Everyone, even those not covered by an A&M Care plan, can access this information.

The project is intended to help raise awareness about the importance of medication safety and encourage active communication between patients and their health care providers, thereby potentially reducing the number of medication errors and the potential physical harm and expense those errors may cause.

To help you increase your medication knowledge and take a more active role in your health care, take advantage of these two tools, available in both English and Spanish:

• My Medication Wallet Card, a card to record current information about medicines you take, immunizations you have had, allergies, emergency contacts and more.
• Medication Safety Brochure, which provides medication safety tips to remember, including questions you may want to ask your health care provider.

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BlueCross BlueShield of Texas offers discounts

To encourage healthier lifestyles, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) is offering A&M Care Plan participants and their covered dependents registration discounts to Jenny Craig and Curves.

Jenny Craig is a long-term food/body/mind program that helps its members manage their weight by creating healthy relationships with food, building active lifestyles and developing balanced approaches to living. Information and answers to questions about the Jenny Craig discount are available online.

Curves is the first fitness and weight-loss facility to target women and provide them with affordable, one-stop exercise and nutritional information. Information and answers to questions about the Curves discount are available online.

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Choosing the right vehicle for your investment needs

Know your options

So, you decide you're ready to buy a new car. You visit a showroom and the salesperson asks you a series of questions. Sedan or coupe? Manual or automatic? AM/FM stereo or satellite? Of course, you can't make such decisions without first understanding each option. Only then can you be sure to drive off in the vehicle that best fits your needs.

Investing for your future is no different. A simple understanding of the basic investment options can help you make smarter decisions about how you invest your money. Only then can you be sure you've chosen the right vehicle to meet your personal investing needs.

Employer-sponsored retirement plans

Employer-sponsored retirement plans are considered one of the most effective retirement savings plans. They are commonly known as deferred-compensation plans. The A&M System offers both a 403(b) and a 457 deferred-compensation plan. Typical features include:

• Pre-tax contributions – You're taxed only on the amount left in your paycheck after your contribution, so you're paying less in current taxes. It's like you're paying yourself to invest in the plan.
• Tax-deferred growth potential – Your earnings and contributions generally aren't taxed until you withdraw from the plan, so your earnings can grow tax deferred as the interest compounds.
• Paycheck deductions – Contributions to the plan are automatically deducted directly from your paycheck, allowing you to put a percentage of your gross pay into an account.

Employer-sponsored retirement plans typically offer different investment options and contribution limits. Note that early withdrawals are generally permitted from most plans; however, a penalty is usually involved, as well as ordinary income taxes.

IRAs

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA), is similar to an employer retirement plan, but you set it up for yourself. Typical features of an IRA include:

• Tax-deferred growth potential – Pay no current income taxes on your investment earnings until you withdraw.
• Pre-tax contributions – Deduct contributions from your annual income, reducing the amount you owe in current taxes.
• Investment options – Take advantage of a wide range of investment options.

IRAs come in many forms, with different features, benefits and contribution limits. Options for transferring a former employer retirement plan into an IRA are available as well.

Annuities

An annuity is an insurance contract and a securities investment that provides regular periodic payments for a specified period of time. Features of annuities include:

• Tax-deferred growth potential – Your earnings generally aren't taxed until you withdraw from the contract, so your earnings can grow.
• Minimum death benefits – Provides potential payout to beneficiaries after death.
• Flexible payment options – Allows you to invest a lump sum or make periodic payments, or even defer payments until after retirement.
• Guaranteed minimum income (optional) – Includes choice of "payment for life," which allows you to be paid monthly, even if you live beyond the years of the predicted annuity phase.

Note that with the guaranteed minimum income option, if you die prior to the end of the annuity phase, your investment may affect the value of your death benefit. All guarantees with annuities are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

Annuities are available with a wide range of options and possibilities, each serving different purposes for different types of investors. Fixed annuities, for example, offer investments with a guaranteed rate of interest for a specified time period; variable annuities typically offer a range of investment options, allowing you to be more aggressive or conservative.

Mutual funds

A mutual fund is an investment vehicle managed by a professional money manager that allows a group of investors to pool their money together with a predetermined objective. Mutual funds range from conservative investments, such as money market funds, to those that invest in more aggressive options, such as new technologies and emerging markets. Among the benefits of mutual funds are:

• Professional money management – Provides professional expertise while requiring less personal commitment of time compared to investing in individual stocks or other securities.
• Automatic diversification and asset allocation – Helps reduce risk by ensuring your money remains spread among a variety of investments and different asset classes consistent with the fund's stated goals.
• Wide range of investment options – Allows you to choose a fund according to your specific investment goals and risk tolerance.

With the right fund management company, mutual funds could provide a good investment opportunity that could complement an employer-sponsored retirement plan or IRA.

Government bonds and CDs

Government bonds and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) are two similar investments that are considered less risky (historically) than most other traditional investment vehicles. They're defined as:

• Government bond – An investment guaranteed by the U.S. government (the issuer) and typically held for 10 to 30 years. When held to maturity, they offer value of principal and a fixed rate of return, which vary depending on the type of bond purchased.
• CD – An investment offering a fixed rate of return (like a government bond), but can be purchased from banks, which means it is FDIC-insured. When your investment matures (either in months or years, depending on the CD you purchase), you can cash in the CD and receive its face value, plus the interest.

While history does not guarantee future results, government bonds and CDs can help add stability to almost any portfolio by balancing your higher-risk investments. These types of investments are also appropriate if you have a short span of time before you'll need your money, such as retirement or sending a child to college.

What vehicle is best for you?

Employer-sponsored retirement plans, IRAs, annuities, mutual funds, bonds and CDs are a few of the many investment vehicles that are available to you. Your financial representative can help you learn more about each of these so you can be sure you pick the right vehicles for your needs and goals.

This article is part of an ongoing series of articles regarding retirement savings. The information has been provided by various A&M System Optional Retirement Program and Tax-Deferred Account Program vendors and Securities and Exchange Commission educational articles.

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New on the web

The following are new or revised documents that have been posted on the System Human Resources website:

• About COBRA (revised)
• Dental SPD (revised)
• Eldercare Guide (revised)
• FTE Quarterly Report (2nd Quarter; new)
• Dependent Enrollment Form/Certification (HR 101; revised)
• Prior ORP Participation Acknowledgment Form (HR 11; revised)
• ORP Salary Reduction Acknowledgment/Change of Vendor Form (HR 14; revised)
• TDA Salary Reduction Agreement/Change of Vendor Form (HR 17; revised)
• ORP/TDA Vendor list (revised)
• DeltaCare HMO provider list (revised)
• PharmaCare Prescription Drug Formulary (revised)

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Any questions?

I am nearing age 65 but still working. Will my Long-Term Disability policy still cover me and is it worth the cost?

Long-Term Disability coverage normally covers employees disabled due to an illness or injury until they reach age 65. However, the plan provides limited coverage for those disabled at or after age 60: 

Age When You          How Long Benefits Continue
Become Disabled

Before 60                   To age 65, but not less than 60 months
60 to 64                     60 months
65 to 67                     To age 70
68 and older               24 months

As you near retirement age, you should consider whether you want to continue paying premiums for Long-Term Disability coverage. Once you are eligible for retirement, if you become disabled, you could simply retire a little earlier than planned and begin drawing your TRS or ORP benefits. This would result in a lower TRS monthly retirement benefit or ORP account balance, but the amount of difference will vary with your circumstances.

Under both plans, the longer you work, the higher your retirement benefit. That's because you pay into the plan over a longer period. Also, if you have pay increases during that time, your TRS benefit will be based on a higher final average pay or your ORP balance will be based on higher contribution amounts.

If you are in TRS, your monthly benefit is also reduced for early payment unless you meet certain age and service requirements. That's because your benefit will be paid over a longer period if you start receiving payments early. Under ORP, your account balance will have to stretch over a longer retirement period if you retire earlier than planned.

Before dropping your LTD coverage, you should consider the cost of premiums compared to the effect on your retirement benefits should you retire early. Your individual circumstances will determine what strategy will be best for you.  

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Warmer weather means more outdoor activity—just remember to protect your eyes

As the weather begins to break after a cold winter, many of us are looking forward to outdoor activities. Maybe you're ready to get your yard in top shape, enjoy a favorite sport or launch your boat on the lake in search of the big one. Whatever the activity, it's important to remember to protect one of your most valued assets, your eyes. Jeff Harris, assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and Scott & White Eye Institute, shares how protective eyewear can help keep your eyes safe.

One of the most important roles of eyewear is that of ultraviolet (UV) protection. UV light risk and exposure increases during the spring and summer months and has been linked to several ocular diseases including cataracts, pterygia and macular degeneration. Cataract formation involves the loss of clarity of the crystalline lens within the eye. A pteryigum is the development of a calloused area that extends onto the cornea and can obscure vision. Macular degeneration causes a breakdown of the portion of the retina that is responsible for central vision. The result is a reduction in the ability to distinguish details. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people older than 65.

Ultraviolet protection does not necessarily mean that a lens has to be tinted. Clear lenses can protect from harmful UV rays. Many of the newer lightweight lens materials have inherent UV protective abilities while some traditional glass and plastic lenses may need to have a clear UV protectant added. Lenses should be labeled as 100% UV protection and should block all levels of UV light.

While UV protection is not dependent on tint, lens color can help improve performance during an activity. For example, many shooters prefer a yellow or orange tint to help improve the contrast of their target. A brown or amber tint can help improve the contrast between a baseball or golf ball and the sky, making it easier to see the ball, especially on overcast days. Dark gray offers truer colors and can provide more comfort on bright sunny days. Polarized lenses filter distracting glare reflected from water, wet streets or the hood of a car. Some manufacturers offer frames that have interchangeable lenses to make it more convenient to use different tints for different purposes.

In addition to protecting your eyes from damaging UV light, proper eyewear also protects your eyes from foreign objects. Weed-eaters, lawn mowers and other power tools can propel objects at high rates of speed into your eyes. Sporting activities also impose risk to the eye. Flying fishhooks from fellow anglers have caught many an eye. Low-hanging branches striking eyes can quickly take a mountain biker off the trail. Insects in the eye can incapacitate a motorcyclist.

Choosing protective eyewear that fits your needs and tastes is important, as you'll be much more likely to actually wear the protective gear if you like how it looks and feels. But, look and feel aren't the only important factors you should consider. The eyewear must also be made of durable material that will provide you with the protection you need.

Protective lenses or shields should be made from an impact-resistant material. Polycarbonate is the most impact-resistant material on the market, has the advantage of being lightweight and can be made thinner than other materials of similar protective ability. Lenses should cover an area larger than the eye itself and preferably wrap along the sides of the temple to prevent debris or UV light from entering the eye from an open area along the sides or from above. Keeping lenses free from scratches and debris will help protect the protective properties of the lenses. Frames should be sturdy, fit securely and, if possible, be adjustable for an even better fit.

While it may be tempting to save a few dollars by purchasing eyewear when you pay for your gas, those products generally have inferior optics, durability and protection. Cheaply made eyewear may be better than no protection, but you should consider going to an eye care professional where a certified optician can help you select eyewear that will provide you with the greatest protection.

Wearing quality eye protection will help keep you enjoying those outdoor activities for many years to come.

This article is provided as a courtesy by the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Scott & White Eye Institute and Scott & White Department of Ophthalmology. For questions about your eye care needs, contact your health care provider.

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The road to lifestyle change

Are you caught in a pattern of setting exercise goals and then not accomplishing them? If so, you're not alone. Jerod Wilson, director of strength and conditioning for the Texas A&M University Department of Recreational Sports, offers these tips to help you reach your exercise goals and stay focused on that road to lifestyle change.   

• Think about what you want to achieve. Setting several short-term goals will give you the motivation you need to reach your long-term goals. Lifestyle changes take time, so be patient and gradually work toward your long-term goals. When you achieve a short-term goal, congratulate yourself. Each short-term success means you're one step closer to meeting your long-term goals. To maximize your chances for success throughout your journey, make sure all of your goals are SMART:
  • S = sensible
    M = measurable
    A = achievable/attainable
    R = realistic
    T = time-oriented
• Be flexible. Understand that work, family and other demands will sometimes disrupt your exercise schedule. Keep to your schedule when you can, but be willing to adjust your exercise time. While you should keep exercise a priority, missing an exercise session or two does not mean you have failed. Resume exercising as soon as possible.
• Make your environment more conducive to exercise. In other words, set yourself up for success. Post exercise reminders on your refrigerator and in your office and car. Keep a gym bag in your car or in an easily accessible and visible place in your home. Keep your exercise equipment in a favorite room of your home. You'll be much more likely to use the equipment if it's in a location you enjoy anyway.
• Be patient with yourself. Challenge yourself with your exercise routines, but don't push yourself to the point where you get discouraged because you can't run fast enough or lift enough weight. Gradually improve your time and endurance. Remember, you are not in a race. It's more important to reach your long-term goals gradually than to demand too much of yourself too soon.
• Learn from other people. Experienced trainers or others who have been exercising for a long time may have techniques and tips that could help you reach your goals more efficiently.
• Set up a support system. Find friends, family, support groups or online communities who you can turn to for encouragement. It's a lot easier to accomplish goals when people are cheering you on!

So, begin your journey on the road to a healthier, more active lifestyle! You can succeed!

This article is provided as a courtesy by the Texas A&M University Department of Recreational Sports. Before beginning any exercise program, consult your health care provider. If you have questions, contact a sports professional or your health care provider.

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Foods you should be eating and why they are good choices

What foods should you being eating to maintain good health? Is it necessary to give up tasty foods to be healthy? Rena Quinton, assistant professor in the Human Sciences Department at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, answers those questions and provides the following information to help you make healthy food choices.

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are important in a healthy diet. Besides vitamins, minerals and fiber, plant foods contain phytochemicals that help prevent chronic diseases. Also, a hearty vegetable soup or big salad with lowfat dressing before a meal will help you to not overeat.

Enjoy all of nature's bounty. Don't limit yourself to what some magazine or manufacturer is promoting as the latest super food. Savor sweet baby carrots, rich tomato sauce on spaghetti, those crisp and crunchy salad greens, corn on the cob, cole slaw and pinto beans.

Feast on real fruit, not some high-fructose corn syrup-laden imposter (Hint: read the label or better yet, stay in the produce section.) Whole strawberries, raspberries and cranberries contain a phytochemical which may help fight cancer. Scientists haven't discovered all of the thousands and thousands of phytochemicals, so the greater the variety of plant foods you eat, the better your odds of getting more of these hidden treasures.

Explore the fantastic variety of leafy greens; there's more than just spinach and iceberg lettuce. Swiss chard, kale, beet greens and collards are great cooked, while salads can include Romaine lettuce, watercress, arugula, Boston lettuce or a variety of baby greens.

Whole grains can help prevent high blood pressure, but go for the real thing. Get 100 percent whole wheat bread, brown rice and oatmeal. Buy a hot-air popper and enjoy some terrific popcorn.

Also, appreciate the foods of your ethnic heritage. Your great-grandmother knew good food. Don't neglect nopalitos and jicamas, collards and mustard greens, borscht laden with beets and cabbage, or whole-grain pumpernickel bread. These are wonderful and nutritious foods.

Get that spirit of adventure and explore different ethnic foods, too. But seek out the original versions, not the over-salted, super-sized, high-fat imposters. A cookbook from the library or your friend's grandmother would be an excellent resource.

Americans get plenty, usually too much, protein and fat. Portions of meat and other animal foods should be small. Beans, such as black beans, pintos, split peas or tofu, are an excellent substitute for meat; eat them often and enjoy hearty servings. You don't need a lot of fat, but extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, sunflower seeds and dark chocolate are delicious choices to include in moderation. They contain those wonderful phytochemicals, too. A source of calcium is important for strong bones. Lowfat dairy products are one choice; others are fortified soy milk or canned fish with bones.
           
If you get your food from a farmer's market or the organic food section, so much the better for you and the environment.

Finally, enjoy the gift of delicious healthy food. If possible, enjoy mealtimes with family or friends. Eat slowly and appreciate the variety of flavors and textures of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other good things. Good food is part of the joy of living.

This article is provided as a courtesy by the Human Sciences Department, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. For information, contact your nutritionist or health care provider.

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